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Devereux Student Strengths Assessment Middle School Edition 6-8

Devereux Student Strengths Assessment Middle School Edition Student Self-Report

(DESSA-MSE SSR) 6-8

Jennifer L. Robitaille, Paul A. LeBuffe, Evelyn S. Johnson, Jack A. Naglieri, and Valerie B. Shapiro

Youth’s Name ______________________________________________ Gender _______________ DOB __________________ Grade ___________
Date of Rating ____________________ School/Organization ___________________________________ Classroom/Program___________________________Do your best to rate yourself.

This form describes a number of behaviors seen in some youth. Read each question and do your best to rate yourself. Put a check in the box under the word that tells how often you do, say, or think about each thing. Please answer each question carefully. There are no right or wrong answers. Please answer all questions even if you are not sure. If you want to change your answer, put an X through it and fill in your new choice as shown.

  • Never
  • Rarely
  • Sometimes
  • Often
  • Almost Always
Item #

  1. I can recognize my strengths.

  2. I prepare for school, activities, or upcoming events.

  3. I believe I can overcome setbacks.

  4. I get along well with different types of people.

  5. I stay focused despite a distraction.

  6. I can recognize my emotions.

  7. I can imagine a positive future for myself.

  8. I feel comfortable asking for help when I don't understand something.

  9. I respect a person's right to have a different opinion.

  10. I ask questions when learning new things.

  11. I can describe the things that matter most to me.

  12.  I show appreciation for others.

  13. I can update my thinking as I learn more about something.

  14. I take action to solve problems.

  15. I seek out things that challenge me.

  16. I respond to others' feelings in kind and safe ways.

  17. I encourage my friends or classmates.

  18. I ask for advice when needed.

  19. I help make my class a place where everyone can learn.

  20. I adapt well to new situations.

  21. I listen to feedback so I can improve.

  22. I can list the personal traits that are most important to me.

  23. I set goals for myself.

  24. . I listen to others.

  25. I can make a positive difference in the world.

  26. I feel like I belong in my school.

  27. I can motivate myself when I don't want to do something.

  28. I know how my emotions influence my behavior.

  29. I compliment or congratulate others.

  30. I keep working until I achieve a goal.

  31. I do the right thing in a difficult situation.

  32. I do nice things for people.

  33. I make others feel welcome or included.

  34. I can calm down when I'm upset.

  35. I can compromise for the good of the group.

  36. I accept responsibility for my actions.

  37. I believe my contributions to a group or team matter.

  38. I am able to resolve conflicts positively.

  39. I can tell when my emotions make it hard to pay attention.

  40. I believe I can achieve my goals.

  41. I can adjust my behavior to match different settings.

  42. I cooperate with others to solve a problem.

  43. I focus on the positive side of things.

  44. I agree to and follow expectations for my behavior.

  45. I am good at making and keeping friends.

  46. I expect that I will be successful.

  47. I feel comfortable being myself in different situations

  48. I make positive contributions to my class, school, or community.

  49. I gather information before making an important decision.

  50. I believe working with others leads to greater success.

Click here for PDF DESSA-MSE-SSR Rating Form